'99 B2500, 5 speed stick.

Truck's in good shape, but the timing belt has not been done by the current owner, and it's got 180k+ on it. He bought it with 92k and while he's maintained it beautifully otherwise, he said the guys on some forum he used to be on said don't worry about it until it breaks.

That worries me more than a little.

So a couple questions:

* is the 2.5 an interference engine (i.e will the valves and pistons try to violate the laws of physics and try to occupy the same space if the belt breaks)?

*what is the actual maintenance interval on the t-belt?

* what else should I know about this truck? It's been a while since I had one this size.

I had a Ranger back in the early 90's that I loved (an '84 that I should have never given to my idiot youngest brother). I'm sure this is worlds better than that old carbed 2.? that was in there. I'm looking forward to getting into this one, and the increase in MPG that this will get over the F150 that's drinking me dry.

Of course, many thanks in advance.

 

It is not an interference engine. If it snaps, no biggie. New one on, timing set, and off you go.

No more than 75K, 100K is reccommended if I remember correctly, but that's very much pushing it.

 

Ok with these trucks you want to get these few things checked. Front end(Tie rods inner and outer, Upper control and lower control arm bushings. All bushings period, Wheel bearings, alignment. These are pretty much standard for anyone with a ranger or mazda. Get all the components switched out with greasable bushings and heavy duty poly bushings and you will be fine. I am gettin ready to do one this weekend. My buddies b2500 all the bushings are shot in the front end and the wheel bearings need to be replaced. Standard maint really alot of people really dont get these things checked out regularly.

 

As far as the timing belt issue. Go ahead and replace it its not gonna hurt you to go ahead and do it. Most timing belts break at the wrong points in time lol. Like my b2500 broke on the highway. I got a lift to the autoparts store and did my timing belt on the side of the road. Had horrible timing til i got home but still you dont want to be stuck in this situation.

 

Thanks for the replies, I appreciate it.

smith, can I get a list of part numbers that you use this weekend?

Thanks much.

 

I am on my way to the 24 hr parts store i just got home about 15 min ago. I will get you a list of that you need here shortly.

 

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>4.3157R Front control arm bushing
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>051-2618 Inner wheel bearing</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>051-3848 Outter wheel bearing</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>ES3461 Outter tie rod ends</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>GTK0276 Timing belt KIT

</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>TS11780 Timing cover gasket</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>9150S Wheel Seal</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width=334 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=body width=94>Part Number:</TD><TD class=body width=240>HB1867 Sway bar bushings 30MM</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

i dunno if i am missing anything but that should do ya good. Couldnt get the greasable upper control arm bushings though i am gonna have to special order those from napa or MOOG.

 

AutoZone, I assume?

 

I had more than one timming belt break on a lima 4 cylinder in my life, it's not fun walking. It doesn't hurt anything other than your shoes. My rule of thumb was to change them at 80,000 miles if it needs it or not. I wouldn't worry about the T-belt, I would just change it and take the worry part out of it. The shoe leather express isn't the most disirable form of transpertation at our age ha ha.